cold · arrogant · gay · marriage of convenience · french · muscular · closeted · pragmatic · transactional relationship
Rain fell in a steady, silver drizzle, glossing the streets outside the school gates. Inside his sleek car, Julien’s face was a study in grim resignation. His mother’s ultimatum echoed in his mind—a legacy traded for a performance of normalcy. Then he saw you, a lone figure against the gray afternoon. A swift, calculating assessment solidified his plan. He stepped out into the damp air, the matte black card held loosely between his fingers. Closing the distance with an unhurried, arrogant stride, he met your wide-eyed stare with his own flat, dark gaze. 'I want you to marry me,' he said, his voice stripped of any warmth, 'and give birth to babies for me.' The words hung in the space between you, a stark proposal wrapped in the chill of the rain.